0645: A total of 2,510 days since the 2012 Olympics were awarded to London, the torch relay around the UK is set to start.

0646: Good morning and welcome to the first of our 70 days of live coverage of the 2012 Olympic torch relay.

0647: As the Sea King carrying the flame approaches Land's End, former Olympic, Commonwealth, European and World champion triple jumper Jonathan Edwards tells the BBC this is an emotional moment. Asked who he thinks should conduct the last leg of the 70-day relay, he suggests "a school child from south-east London who we don't even know yet".

0648: Over the next 10 weeks we will bring you live text commentary and continuous video of every single day as the 8,000-mile relay travels to all corners of the UK and also visits Dublin. We will bring you all the news, the stories and the big moments as we continue the countdown to the opening ceremony of the Olympics in just under 10 weeks on 27 July.

0649: Torch designers Jay Osgerby and Edward Barber tell BBC Breakfast the lightweight torch - which weighs in at just a kilo - is specifically designed to be easy to carry for torchbearers - whatever their age.

0652: Bill Morris, director of ceremonies for London 2012 organisers Locog, tells Breakfast that today marks the culmination of four years of planning. Every element of the 8,000-mile relay route has been tested several times and now it is the torchbeareres' moment to shine, he adds.

0653: We'd love you to get in touch with us, especially if you are up early today lining the streets to welcome the torch or if it is visiting your town or city today.

Email us your comments and photos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk text us at 61124 (UK only), or tweet us at @BBC2012 or visit our Facebook page at BBC London 2012.

0655: Your text commentators this morning are Ian Westbrook and Michael Hirst and we are going to be describing everything that happens as the torch sets off from Land's End in around 20 minutes time.

0658: Today's leg of the relay goes through Cornwall - visiting towns like Penzance, Helston, Falmouth, Truro, Newquay and St Austell before crossing into Devon and ending the day in Plymouth, where an evening celebration is planned.

0702: Touchdown! The Sea King carrying the Olympic flame has landed at Land's End. We're expecting Lt Commander Richard Full to carry the lantern from the chopper to the first carrier, Ben Ainslie. London 2012's Director of Ceremonies Bill Morris says around half the 8,000 torchbearers will be young people - both sports stars and children recognised for holding families together.

0704: Considering how early it is, it's astonishing how many people have turned out to greet the flame. And the sun's shining. How about that.

0705: The lieutenant commander poses for pictures next to Ben Ainslie, who has the torch in his hand.

0707: The lighting rod is being put into the lantern to take the flame. It takes a bit of time but the security guard has succeeded and is now kindling Ben Ainslie's torch - we are now just moments away from the start of the relay.

0708: Ben Ainslie stands by the famous Land's End sign posing for more photos with his torch ablaze. He waves to the crowd and has a huge smile on his face.

0710: Ainslie walks away from the sign, through the crowds and towards the point from where the relay will start. There are people everywhere, cameras and cameraphones in hand. He stops again for more photos with security guards behind him, watching on.

0713: So we are just two minutes away from the start of the relay - all the planning, all the work has gone into this moment.

0714: Lt Commander Richard Full says his team were briefed at 0515, launched at 0630 and flew around St Michael's Mount before landing. He says he was a bit shaky as he got off the helicopter, but adds that it's a real honour as a west country man to be involved in the torch relay - something he hopes to tell his grandchildren about.

0715: Ainslie has had a long old walk from the Land's End sign to the start line which appears to be a zebra crossing. He is standing behind the media vehicle, from which the entire relay will be covered. You will be able to watch continuous video feed of the whole event right here.

0716: Ainslie high fives some spectators while waiting to be given permission to set off.

0716: The media vehicle sets off - and Ainslie prepares by letting several members of the crowd touch the torch. He also lets some sailors also touch it and now he holds the torch aloft and OFF WE GO!!

0718: Ainslie is already handing over the flame to the second torchbearer, surfer Tassie Swallow, who shows the torch to the crowd after what is known as "the kiss" - when one torch lights another.

0719: Former British triple jumper Jonathan Edwards, taking pictures of Ben Ainslie at Land's End, says: "It's a perfect start to the Games". Edwards will be running with the flame in Devon on Sunday.

0719: The third torchbearer now takes the flame - the runners are still in the car park at Land's End.

0723: We now leave the grounds of the Land's End attraction, going past the "Welcome to Land's End" sign, and we think the torchbearer may have slightly stumbled for a second. But the torch stayed alight and he is now walking and happily waving to the crowd.

0725: We've got reporter Johnny Morris on the ground in Land's End feeding through the latest news from behind the scenes. Andrew George, MP for Land's End, says: "It's a great honour to show that we are able to take on the flame. We should be very proud of showing the best side of Cornwall and our pride in living here. It's the perfect spot to launch the torch run."

0726: Next stop on the road is Sennen in five minutes time.

0729: It's an emotional moment for Jonathan Edwards who confesses he has a tear in his eye considering all the hard work that's been put in since the bid was launched in 2003. He says Ben Ainslie has a quiet presence about him and was clearly honoured to have the role of starting the torch relay - responding to the moment by sharing the flame with the crowd around him.

0731: More than 100 people will carry the torch today - with a few well-known names sprinkled among them. We have already had Ben Ainslie but still to come fellow Olympians Duncan Goodhew and Michael Lapage and legendary commentator Barry Davies.

0733: Lt Cdr Richard Full, the man charged with delivering the Olympic flame by helicopter from RNAS Culdrose to Land's End, says he was a "proud West Country man". After handing the torch to first bearer Ben Ainslie, he adds: "It's absolutely fantastic. I'm thrilled."

0735: Ben Ainslie says he's proud for the whole nation to be involved in the relay, showing off his own personal torch - or cheesegrater, as it is otherwise known. He's just won the world championships, but says his main goal is the Olympics, and a fourth gold medal. He says he was given the option to run, sprint or walk with the torch but took his time so he could share the moment - as the Olympics is for everyone.

0737: The Olympic torch is now approaching Sennen. "There's a real party atmosphere," said BBC Cornwall reporter Donna Birrell.

0739: The first photos are now coming through....

Ben Ainslie proudly holds aloft the torch at Land's End

0742: Apologies for the interruption to the live pictures. While we wait for them to return, I can tell you that the relay is currently on its way from Sennen to Newlyn, where it is due to arrive at 8.00.

0747: Ben Ainslie is now on Radio 5 Live, saying: "It was a very special moment for the whole country. Like everyone else I was just excited to see the flame coming down and everyone here has been fantastic in beautiful Cornish weather. It's great for Cornwall and great for the nation - the great thing about the Olympic torch is that it's for everybody."

Ainslie let spectators touch the torch before he set off and he added: "I was really just letting people get a look at the torch they were so excited I just felt it was the right thing to do."

0749: Some stats from today: 139 torchbearers will carry the flame 136 miles, ending up at the Hoe in Plymouth for the first evening celebration, where the torch will light a cauldron to mark the culmination of the day.

0750: In case you have only just got up and missed the moment the flame arrived at Land's End - you can watch it again here.

0753: The relay is now in convoy mode with the flame in a lantern as the last part of the journey to Newlyn is completed.

0754: During the day the flame will pass a number of iconic landmarks including St Michael's Mount, Falmouth Harbour and the Mayflower Steps in Plymouth.

0755: The flame will be transported by different methods of transport including a hot air balloon at the Eden Project.

0757: A girl called Sophie, who has got up early to see her tennis coach carry the torch in Penzance, is interviewed on BBC Radio 5 Live and says "I am really, really excited, I will never see this again. It was definitely worth getting up early for."

Jason Henderson tweets: "Torch Relay comes near my house 4pm today but I'm on a train up to GreatRun Manchester at 9:30am. Disastrous planning!"

0802: Locog Chairman Sebastian Coe says the start of the torch relay marks the beginning of an exciting summer of sport across the UK. "The flame will carry with it the values and spirit of the Olympic Games across the UK," he says. "A huge thank you to all those who have been involved in the planning process who have helped the London 2012 Olympic torch relay come to life. Everyone has played their part in giving thousands of inspirational people and hundreds of communities their moment to shine."

0806: The convoy has now stopped on a tree-lined road, darkened by overhanging trees.

0808: And we are now back in torchbearer mode with the lantern being used to light the next torch outside the entrance to Trewidden Garden.

0809: We now have a photo gallery from today up and running (no pun intended).

0811: BBC reporter Johnny Morris tells us Ben Ainslie is now posing for pictures back at the Land's End monument where he started the torch relay.

0812: Meanwhile, a security guard uses her hand to wave back a group of youngsters running alongside the torchbearer trying to take photos. They keep pace with the bearer and her protectors as she runs towards her handover point.

0815: Just to remind you, we would love you to get in touch and keep us company on this Saturday morning. Are you on your way to watch the relay today, have you decided not to watch it as it passes through your hometown, do you wish you were there, or are you just following it from your sofa?

Email us your comments or pictures to yourpics@bbc.co.uk send us a text to 61124 (UK only), tweet us at @BBC2012 or visit our Facebook page at BBC London 2012.

0816: The latest torchbearer has pink hair and is walking her leg of the relay.

Steve Cooper on Facebook: "I'm looking forward to being in Trewoon this afternoon to see the relay coming through.

0820: And as the torch wends its way to Penzance, it's fitting that two ladies in pirate fancy dress are interviewed on BBC Breakfast. Their thoughts on the torch are simple. And emphatic. "Get up, get out there and go and see it," they tell the BBC.

0821: This pink-haired torchbearer has clearly relished every minute of her time with the torch. She has walked the entire leg and is now feverishly waving to the crowd before passing on the flame to the next carrier.

0823: Huge crowds out in the streets of Penzance to welcome the torch. Tremendous enthusiasm at this time of the morning.

0825: The latest torchbearer to take the flame seems very excited - and gives the security guard a big kiss on the cheek before her torch is lit!

0827: Ben Ainslie is keeping it real. On starting the Olympic torch relay, he says: "It's something I'll never forget. It was an amazing atmosphere. But it's back to reality tomorrow and training for the Olympics."

Dom Breslin tweets: "The flame doesn't pass through Warrington until May 31st but I'm well and truly in the Olympic spirit now."

0831: Telegraph columnist Bryony Gordon currently running with the torch along the seafront in Penzance.

0833: Surfer Tassy Swallow, 16, who took the flame from Ben Ainslie at Land's End, says she now wants to go surfing: "There's a good spot near here if there are some waves - I'll maybe check that out on the way home."

0837: We are currently with the 17th torchbearer of the relay and she is passing through crowded streets. People are spilling into the roads off the pavements, mostly to take photos, but the five security guards flanking the bearer are keeping their eyes peeled as they jog along.

Tim Boswell tweets: "Playing 'spot the West Cornwall landmarks' with @BBC2012 streaming. Just seen the evil hill up to April's guest house in Newlyn."

Michael Celia on Facebook: "Woke up at 2am US time to watch the beginning of the torch relay...I'm not right in the head!"

0841: Penzance Olympic relay runner Marie Wilson said after handing over the torch: "It's so amazing. I was crying so much I was worried I was going to put out the flame."

0845: Glorious shots of the harbour at Penzance as the relay nears the end of its time in the town.

Nicki Errington tweets: "Wow so proud to be British and Cornish.Watching @BBC2012 Olympic Torch relay.Can't wait to see it tonight on the Hoe #veryexcited"

0846: The latest torchbearer gets a kiss on the lips from a woman (presumably a relative) as he starts his time in the spotlight.

0853: We hear that a healthy, excited crowd is growing at the Big Screen in Plymouth watching the live broadcast of the torch relay. The Big Screens are sited up and down the country so find your nearest one and pop along to share the live experience.

In the meantime, here is a picture of the relay being shown on the Big Screen in Greenwich, London.

Big Screen in Greenwich

Mona, Wembley emails: I am very excited about the Torch Relay; from having checked the route it will travel on the Relay map I know it will pass right past my front door! I love the Olympics and everything it represents: unity, competition, sportsmanship, hard work, passion, pride, patriotism, spirit.

0858: In case you have just joined us, here is a round-up of what has happened so far.

The 2012 Olympic torch relay got under way at 7.15am with three-time Olympic champion Ben Ainslie being the first of 8,000 torchbearers at Land's End. Since then the relay has been through Sennen and Newlyn and is currently in Penzance.

The relay has a long way to go today before ending up in Plymouth, with some special moments along the way, and we will be with you every step of the way.

0900: "Here it is, look" an excited voice shouts in the crowd as the torch comes into sight, being carried by a very young bearer.

0900: Quick shout-out to Daphne Skinnard and the folks down at BBC Cornwall - providing great local coverage and keeping a close eye on the torch as it wends its way through the county. You can keep up with their tweets at @BBCCornwall.

Cornwall Council tweets: "The torchbearers are beaming, it's such a fantastic moment in time #dayone2012"

0907: And now back to convoy mode for the short journey to Marazion.

0914: While we wait for the convoy to set off, worth pointing out to you some of the features of our torch relay pages.

If you scroll down to below the map in the middle of the page, you will see latest travel alerts for the region in which the relay is travelling that day. Hover over each individual item and you see more details and then you can click through to a more detailed page.

Keep an eye on this through the day as you plan your visit to the place from where you will be watching - or for when you try to get away afterwards.

0915: The relay will pass within 10 miles of 95% of the population. To see when it comes close to you, scroll down below this text commentary and enter your postcode or town name in the search box. You will then get a list of the five days on which the relay passes closest to your front door.

Linda Halford on Facebook: "Live just outside of Penzance and am too unwell to see the torch live but loving watching it on the internet! Great moments."

Ed Sherry tweets: "This is quite possibly the most randomly compulsive viewing ever on British television! #bbctorchcam it's quite hypnotic after a while."

0920: The relay arrives in Marazion - once again to cheering crowds and glorious sunshine. Shame we are covering this from Shepherd's Bush and are not on the spot!

0921: Once again we go through the procedure of transferring the precious flame from lantern to torch and the first bearer in Marazion is on his way.

Ros Atkins from the BBC World Service tweets: "A gran bends over to talk to her 5 yr old grand-daughter: don't worry the torch will be here dreckly (Cornish for soon... ish)."

Steve Saul on Facebook: "After the initial media and public scepticism its really good to see the start of the relay getting everyone into the Olympic spirit, myself included. Good luck to all torchbearers!"

0928: The relay goes on to the beach and the crowds in the adjoining car park stand and watch. The convoy of vehicles has ground to a halt in the road at the top.

0930: And we are back on the move after that short detour to the beach where the latest kiss between two torches took place. The flame is burning brightly so it looks like no sand got into it.

Sea King at Land's End

0938: Here's a pic of the sea king landing at Land's End - check out the gold rotor blade!

0940: BBC correspondent Jon Kay in Marazion says the numbers of people turning out for the Olympic torch relay are "quite astonishing" - in the tens of thousands. Some torch bearers have been very serious, he adds. "Others are playing to the crowd, dancing, singing and having their pictures taken".

Liz Currie in St Andrews, Scotland emails: Suddenly I am filled with patriotic fervour again. My heart fills with pride for the UK. If this doesn't bring our country together I don't know what will. I am quite emotional.

0941: The viewing figures for last night's torch arrival are in from BBC Director of 2012 Roger Mosey. A total of 5.2 million people were watching just before 7.30 when the plane touched down and the average for the One Show was 4.9m.

0943: And back into convoy mode once again for the short hop to Rosudgeon.

Thanks to Kathy Hill on Twitter for this picture of the torch going through Newlyn

0946: Coming up on the torch relay - next it is Rusudgeon, quickly followed by Ashton and Breage. Then it is on to Helston and Falmouth.

Don't forget to get in touch with us if you are on the route - or just watching at home.

Email yourpics@bbc.co.uk send a text in the UK to 61124, tweet us at @BBC2012 or visit our Facebook page at BBC London 2012.

Sgt Robin Parker from D Company 6 Rifles in Truro took this shot of the flame arriving at Land's End earlier. He and his colleagues were helping to marshall the crowds.

Falmouth & Penryn Schools Choir warming up ready to welcome the torch

And here's a shot from one of our relay newsgathering supremos Kevin Jackson (@kevinnjackson on Twitter) of Falmouth & Penryn Schools Choir warming up ready to welcome the torch.

0950: Carrying the torch through Rosudgeon is Amy James. The 24-year-old has overcome the fact she has diabetes to fulfil her dream of becoming a sailing instructor.

BBC Olympics presenter Clare Balding tweets: "Found the arrival of the Olympic flame at Land's End very moving. So pleased Cornwall gets it first - just seems right. #OlympicFlame"

0954: The fourth and final torchbearer in Rosudgeon takes the flame and jogs along the road.

Val Grey on Facebook: "Fantastic support from the people of Cornwall as the Olympic torch starts its way across the country, will catch up with it later live before it leaves our beautiful county.

0957: So we prepare to leave Rosudgeon behind and the flame is transferred into a lantern once again before we return to convoy mode for the trip to Ashton.

1000: The Cornwall Guide website says of the relay's next stop: "Besides a pub and a post office there isn't really much to do in Ashton."

Well there is today as four torchbearers and the residents prepare to welcome the arrival of the Olympic torch.

Victoria in Helston, where the flame is due a bit later tweets: "Its getting close now, more people lining the streets, union jack at the ready!"

Micheal Warren tweets from Wellington, New Zealand: "Great to be watching the Olympic torch travel through the English countryside. Great crowds."

1004: In Ashton now as the first of the four female torchbearers starts her run.

Beccy ‏Huxtable from the Scott Mills show on radio 1 tweets: "In less than 12 hours I've gone from being not very interested in the Olympic Torch, to being completely addicted to the red button. Amaze."

1009: Hordes of photographers surround the next torchbearer as she takes the flame, while some people perform a strange kind of dance in the middle of the road before hurriedly getting out of the way.

Helston councillor Andrew Wallis sent us this picture from his home town. "It's an electric atmosphere. People are cheering as every car goes past." The town is holding sporting events for the children after the flame has passed.

Ian Douglas on Facebook: "I am sat in Dubai with a huge smile, watching the live video link of the torch running through my home county. Such a proud moment for all Brits wherever they are in the world. See you on the 27th July, I'm home for the Games :)"

1024: Guess what folks - convoy mode again.

1026: The convoy is running around 20 minutes behind schedule at the moment as it leaves Breage. One way to make up the time will be to shorten the breaks but it is unclear if they will cut two in half or scrap one altogether. More news as we have it.

1031: Our next stop is Helston - famous for the Furry Dance, also known as the Flora. This takes place on 8 May each year unless it is a Sunday or Monday when it reverts to the Saturday before.

1034: Now on the outskirts of Helston the torch is lit once again.

Gina Witty on Facebook: "My kiddies have been watching and are now outside pretending to carry the olympic torch around the garden :)"

Krish Raval will be a torchbearer in Sheffield. He writes: "I was nominated because I started a leadership programme that has trained 2,000 young people. Seeing the relay start today concentrates the mind - it's a combination of being slightly scared I'm not going to trip, and being really honoured."

1044: From BBC's Johnny Morris in Cornwall: Sandra Critchley, head teacher of Falmouth School, said: "It's our moment to shine. The harbour is looking brilliant. It's a fantastic setting. How can anywhere else compete with this?"

1045: The torch is now being carried right into the centre of Helston and the crowds are standing five deep on the pavements either side of the road. There is bunting hanging up across the road and clearly a festive atmosphere with plenty of encouragement being shouted from the spectators.

1047: Spectators are out in force with union jack flags, green balloons and green streamers as the relay winds its way up sloping roads on its continuing path through the town centre. This bearer is loving every minute and waving to the crowds, smiling and laughing.

1050:Nena Yendell now takes the torch. She has undertaken voluntary youth work in her local community for more than 15 years.

When the torch reaches Truro this afternoon, Sgt Adam Vague and his infantry colleagues will be marshalling. Here's a shot he took outside Land's End visitor centre earlier. "We were proud to be a part of it," he told us. "It was a privilege to be there."

1058: Don't forget to get in touch with us, as lots of you already have.

As well as emailing us your photos you can text us to 61124 (UK only), tweet us at @BBC2012 or visit our Facebook page at BBC London 2012.

Dionne Rooney on Facebook: "As a family who left Bodmin last November, we are watching from warmer days in Abu Dhabi... We haven't been home since and are sad to miss the torch but lovely to see Cornwall... We are watching proudly! Enjoy the day Cornwall..."

1101: That's it for Helston - Falmouth next on our itinerary as we switch back to convoy mode once again.

1105: BBC School Report have their daily torch relay page up. So far it includes video of some School Reporters on the News Channel at Land's End first thing this morning and quotes from a torchbearer and will be updated throughout the day.

Sailor Ben Ainslie, who carried the torch for its first leg, tweets: "Wow. Most amazing experience and honour, awesome atmosphere. Bring on the Games #torchrelay"

1112: While the relay is in convoy mode time for me, Ian Westbrook to take a break. Claire Heald takes over to work alongside Michael Hirst.

1114: Locog says the torch is 25 minutes late. When it gets to Grover Place car park in Falmouth the flame will not take the built-in 20 minute break. So when it gets to Melville Road it will be on time again - fingers crossed. Normal timings for Truro - give or take a few minutes.

1122: On the way in to Falmouth... known for its harbour and home to one of the National Maritime Museums. One of torchbearer and Olympian Ben Ainslie's boats, from the Sydney 2000 Olympics, hangs from the ceiling.

1126: The torch is out of the van and in the hands of Michael Willis. Perspex screens are being held around the torch team as they try to light his torch from the lamp.

1127: James Butler in Penzance writes to remind us that the flame was flown to Cornwall in a Davy lamp, the 1815 invention of Humphrey Davy.

1127: Some trouble lighting the torch, a big huddle of torch team standing around him now, trying to shield it from the Cornish breeze.

1128: Michael is a 14-year-old skateboarder who recently won the Dracaena Skate Jam, has started playing senior league table tennis and is showing great promise as a young golfer. His supporters say he always gives up his time to help his peers. Huge cheers for him, big smile, set quite a pace.

1130: And Michael Willis passes the flame to Dave Collins from Falmouth. The 69-year-old shouldn't have any problems running his leg of the relay - some of his county running records still stand!

1132: Dave is setting a blistering pace running uphill in Falmouth. Holding the torch aloft and waving to the crowds.

1134: And onto one of the youngest runners of the day, Taig Stephens, who is just 12, the minimum age to run in the torch relay. Those who nominated him say Taig embraces the Olympic Values of friendship, excellence and respect towards his peers.

1137: Supporters are lining both sides of the street on the outskirts of Falmouth. Lots of torch flags, Union Jacks and cheering.

1140: The BBC's Johnny Morris says a sound check is taking place on Plymouth Hoe ahead of Labrinth's performance and the arrival of the Olympic torch this evening.

1141: On to Ben Leonard. He's smiling, but don't try to take the torch from him - he started the FXU Tang Soo Do club - which trains and teaches people. And he's renovated a permanent martial arts centre for Cornwall.

1142: On to John Parham, who has devoted lots of his time to helping the scouts. Huge cheers in the centre of Falmouth, where people are up on the memorial for a good view and the marching band is out, dressed in Cornish black and white.

11:45: John was nominated because: "He has a true understanding of the young people he works with, and has helped so many people to achieve dreams, conquer fears and point them in the right direction to a great future."

1145: They're in front of the party shop in Falmouth, and what a party it is...

1147: Busy moments for the Met police security team surrounding the torch as the crowds are deep and reaching out to touch the torch when it comes near.

1148: Another runner not to mess with - Gavin Cattle, the captain of the Cornish Pirates, the only professional rugby team in Cornwall.

The BBC's Jon Kay tweets this photo, with the message: "This is why the #torchrelay is running late! MASSIVE crowds in Falmouth. And. noisy, too!"

1151: Heading down the narrow shopping streets now towards the harbour developments. Lots of Cornish flags - no pasties glimpsed from the bakeries yet.

1156: Brief detour down to the harbour. We can't see the torch but judging by the amount of people taking photos, we know what is happening.

1157: Here's Claire Spargo-Williams, who we are told had to endure a couple of back operations last year that left her in a lot of pain - but she has maintained an active lifestyle since her operation which shows with the determination and effort that she puts into it every day which is an inspiration to others.

1158: And while Michael Hirst takes a break, your commentators now are Claire Heald and Ian Westbrook.

1159: Have they lost the next torchbearer? There is a long pause - but wait we are off again so maybe it was just the crowds delaying things.

1200: They're in the car park in front of the National Maritime Museum development now, across from a famous fish chef's shop, and the flame is transferred from Claire's torch, back to the lamp for convoy mode.

1204: With bagpipes playing in the background, we now have another delay and another lantern appears to be being lit from the torch just inside a coach which is part of the convoy of vehicles accompanying the relay.

1206: While we wait, a reminder of how you can get in touch with us today - please do as we really want you to get involved.

1206: In the crowd are some women dressed in robes - perhaps they're vestal virgins? They've made their own torches too - stuck to their heads with headbands.

1209: We hope you are enjoying the coverage - today is day one of 70 days of live text commentary coverage on www.bbc.co.uk/2012.

1210: Time to introduce you to our torch relay pages as you may well be using them for the first time.

We have lots of great interactive features to help you get the most out of a day spent visiting the relay.

If you scroll down below this text commentary and put your postcode or town name in the search box, you will find the five days that the relay is nearest to your home town.

1211: There's people on the rooftops, taking in the view of the convoy of yellow and white vehicles, surrounded by crowds, stopped off in the Grover Place car park.

1213: Next up is Chelsie Ferguson. Her torch is lit. Like many Britons, some of whom failed to get a ticket to the main events, she says she will be watching the Olympics on television. Chelsie had hoped to be in the England hockey team one day, but she has suffered rib injuries. She has represented South West England.

1215: Chelsie leads the convoy out of the car park and back on to Arwenack Street. We are still in Falmouth by the way.

1220: Cornish dairyman John Forster is the latest torchbearer. The 62-year-old has been in his job for the last 30 years and as well as delivering milk he also does shopping and odd jobs for elderly local residents. He has also run two London Marathons and one Cornish Marathons to raise funds for local charities.

Tom Shorey tweets: "The crowds remind me of a Tour de France stage! With the various vehicles and the flame wingling its way through."

1224: Today's crowds are a positive sign for Darren Bartholomew who tells us on Facebook: "Size of crowds is fantastic - it's been the big "unknown" in our planning for the Essex legs of the relay in July - guess by then we'll know!"

1225: John hands over to Sean Mcdonnell who is a police community support officer in the Falmouth and Penryn community.

1227: Short delay while eager amateur photographers blatantly step out in the road in front of the torchbearer - forcing a momentary halt.

Colin Cooke on Facebook: "Brilliant to see the amount of support for the torchbearers. Hope Plymouth does it justice later tonight. I'll be watching it come across the Tamar Bridge with my wife and children."

1236: Back in convoy mode now as we head out of Falmouth and on to Truro.

1237: BBC's Johnny Morris in Cornwall: "Cornwall Council says Olympic Torch is running 37 minutes late and will arrive in Truro at about 13:10 BST."

1241: More now about how this site works.

If you scroll down below the map on the left-hand side, you will see highlighted some travel alerts. Hover over each one for more detail and click through for a more comprehensive guide.

If you want to know whether to pack sunscreen or an umbrella for your day at the relay, hover over the town or city on the map where you intend to watch and you will see a weather forecast. Click the "more detail" link for a full five-day forecast.

Rachel McDonald took this shot in Falmouth. "I think this was a paramedic trying to help an old lady outside the King's Head pub. He came around the corner and fell off his bike." Celebrations are continuing in the town - "I've never seen it so busy."

Paramedic falling off bike in Falmouth

You can text your photos to 61124.

Becca Rimmer on Facebook: "Getting so emotional watching the torch come to England!!! So proud of my DAD Andy Rimmer who will be running with it on 12th July!! :)"

BBC Cornwall's James Churchfield tweets: "Crowds gathering at Narrowcliff in Newquay waiting to see the Olympic Torch pass by." Newquay will be the next major town after Truro.

Crowds gather in Newquay for Olympic torch

Spotlight, the BBC news magazine for south-west England, tweets: "Police are investigating reports that a bright red light was shone at the plane carrying the Olympic Flame as it was landing in Cornwall."

Mike Bird tweets: "Just saw the Olympic torch go past my road. Everyone seemed happy and to be enjoying it so I won't be joining in the sneering."

1258: The relay is now entering Truro where the first torchbearer awaits.

1259: Rhiannon Bryant takes the torch. At only 13 she has big Olympic dreams "to become a Olympic athlete in the 200m sprint! My goals are very important to me and I always try to achieve them."

She say's she'll be running more than just this 300m this summer, to keep her fitness up.

1300: Rhiannon's friends are clearly out in force as there is loud screaming from the pavements as she completes her turn. Next up is Rik Bennett.

1302: Surfer and mountaineer Rik has been a lower leg amputtee since his childhood and was nominated to run with the torch because he "makes little of his disability and spends lots of time and effort inspiring others". He has climbed Kilimanjaro and has Everest in his sights.

1305: Rik finishes the downhill section of his time in style - holding the torch aloft and milking all the applause.

1307:Barry Symons was nominated as a torchbearer for his commitment to giving blood. Since donating his first pint on Valentine's Day in 1975, he recently gave for the 75th time.

Sandy Archer texts: "Had such great fun! Buzzed down to Helston to catch a glimpse, only to get there at the end when they put flame back into the lantern. I touched the torch, and when I turned round afterwards I was so excited I nearly ran into one of the coaches! Still smiling!"

1308: A little girl ignores the torch security team to walk up and touch the torch as Barry is carrying it. She then happily wanders off into the crowd again with no harm done.

1310: The torch is now in the centre of Truro and about to wind its way towards the Cathedral.

1311: Local police are saying the half-hour delay is down to the size of the 25,000-strong crowd, but the fact that many runners - not just Barry - are taking their own sweet time on their leg of the relay isn't helping...

The BBC's Jon Kay tweets: "Is there anyone at home in Truro this afternoon? They are going #torchrelay-crazy here!"

1312: The flag-waving crowd in the centre of Truro cheers as Barry hands over to Lisa Heal - who has strong running form having run the Race for Life, the Bristol 10k and the Bristol half marathon as well as completing the 3 Peak challenge and the Welsh 3 peak challenge.

1315: Apologies that the picture quality is breaking down a little in towns and cities with lots of people around using their mobiles. We are using the 3G network to broadcast the video and it is getting overcrowded.

1319: And the flame is back in the lantern for convoy mode. Next stop Newquay!

BBC Cornwall's James Churchfield tweets: "The Everson-Nightingale family from Newquay waiting to see the Olympic Torch pass by including 7 month Jetta"

The Everson-Nightingale family in Newquay have flames of their own

1327: How are you finding the torch relay so far? Let us know your thoughts using the details below this stream.

Rik Bennett carries flame into Truro

Here's a shot of Rik Bennett from St Agnes, the mountaineer and lower leg amputee we mentioned earlier, carrying the flame into a packed Truro.

1334: In case you are wondering, the relay is still in convoy mood as it heads from Truro to Newquay.

If you have only just joined us, you have missed a tremendous day so far with packed crowds turning out to watch the relay whereever it has gone - from Land's End to Penzance to Helston to Truro.

And the sun is shining too!

‏Tarek Mouganie tweets: Getting goosebumps watching the #Olympic torch make it way along the country on TV. Didn't think I would get emotional!

1350: As the relay approaches Newquay, a reminder that a special event will take place later when the torch is flown in a hot air balloon over the Eden Project.

1351: Our next torchbearer is 13-year-old Georgia Doyle-Lay is an athlete who has already broken two long-standing local records. She has represented Cornwall in sprinting and long jump.

1352: Now it is the turn of Andy Ferris. He works for Surf Life Saving Great Britain on a voluntary basis and has implemented a full coaching and ocean safety and skills programme. He does all this in his spare time alongside his ful-time job as a police officer.

1355:Hattie Devereux, 15, has undergone two major operations already in her young life and has supported her best friend through her treatment for cancer. She is our latest torchbearer.

1356: Again people just walk out in the road in the path of the torchbearer and the torch security team make sweeping hand gestures to get them to move out of the way.

1420: The relay turns into the grounds of a local school for a belated lunch break.

Torches on a torch relay bus near Penzance

Su Robertson sent us this photo of a set of torches packed together in a bus carrying torchbearers, in Rosudgeon, near Penzance. "I got really close to bus number 4 in my wheelchair," she says. "The bus was waiting for the convoy to catch up."

1425: Time for us - Ian Westbrook and Michael Hirst - to hand over the commentary duties for the rest of the day to Claire Heald and Sarah Holt.

1447: And we're back with the relay after a rest and lunch break for the torch crew in Newquay. The flame is lit, they're off.

1449: First to run is 12-year-old Jenni Buckley, a keen footballer - who also plays hockey and badminton and competes in athletics at county level. She was nominated to run because of her "commitment" to all sports.

1451: She passes the flame on to Thomas Gee, a learning support assistant at Truro college and avid surfer.

1456: As Tommy finishes his run out of Newquay, he takes the torch to the coach, the lantern is lit and the flame is back on board for the convoy to St Stephen.

Thu Win in Truro, Cornwall, emails: I was extremely excited about the torch passing by my town. But it was about 30 minutes late! One bad thing is too much sponsorship.

1505: While the torch is travelling in convoy, remember you can check when the relay is coming closest to you, using the search box below this live text commentary.

1506: There are some bucolic Cornish scenes being played out under a pale blue sky dotted with fluffy clouds as the torch makes its way to St Stephen.

1511: Louise Gorman is enjoying the BBC Torchcam. She tells us on Facebook: "Wow! what a fantastic idea to be able to watch the Olympic torch as it goes around the country - I feel like I am there!"

1515: When the torch reaches the Eden Project this afternoon, TV presenter Ben Fogle will travel in a balloon across one of the biomes.

He says: "I'm deliriously excited. I spent a huge amount of my childhood here, so be down here doing this and sharing this unbelievable event is amazing. I've just driven through Bugle and it's bustling with flags, there's a smile on everyone's face.

"It will be quite emotional. To soar in the biomes with the torch held aloft is just going to be magical and certainly something I'll never forget."

1516: The torch has arrived in St Stephen. Security guards' bikes are being unloaded and the convoy is getting ready to pass through the town.

1518: The first torch bearer in St Stephen is 12-year-old Garvey Evans from St Austell. Garvey is battling a brain tumour but says: "Even though I have been diagnosed with cancer I want to be able to inspire people. No matter how bad life seems or how bad a day you're having always remember the next day will be better."

1519: Garvey is using a wheelchair which is being pushed, as the sun shines, along the road by one of the torch security team.

1520: The relay slows as crowds flock to cheer him on and almost block the road in the process.

1521: He is standing up and walking the final stretch of his part of the flame's 8,000-mile journey around the UK.

1522: Next to carry the luminous load is athletics coach Revis Crowe. How fast will the 50-year-old go with the torch, we wonder? Revis regularly competes in road and cross country races but she is opting for a slow walk so far.

1525: Crowe hands the torch over to James Ross, a sports coach at St Breock Primary School in Wadebridge, who's been an infectious supporter of the Olympics. There are chants of "Rossi" from the crowd. He's been helping to find the next generation of Olympic athletes by setting up classes in mountain biking, canoeing, archery and windsurfing.

1539: Trewoon, the torch is with you. A short run in on the way to St Austell. The flame disembarks the coach and lights the next torch.

1540: After that short trip, Michael Foley picks up the torch. Michael suffers from Crohn's disease but that hasn't held him back from coaching football teams from tots to teens. His most recent project was coaching a group of homeless people.

1541: Olympic fever is doing its work across the country today. Comedian Jack Dee, not exactly known for his effusive nature, writes on Twitter: "Note to Britain: still not too late to ask me to carry Olympic torch. No hard feelings about not being invited to be first."

1543: The torch is passed to Matthew Hill. A former fencer and modern pentathlete, Matthew set up a not-for-profit company to help disabled and disadvantaged people set up their own businesses in 2008. He's continued to help run that business despite falling ill himself after a routine operation went wrong.

1545: A flutter of Union Jacks as Matthew, who is walking with a stick, takes in the crowd.

1549: Another safe pair of hands for the Olympic flame as Rene Sweet is a coach at Lostwithiel outdoor bowling club.

@KevS1973 tweets: "Hello, work? Afraid I won't be in for the next 70 days as #bbctorchcam has me in it's hypnotic grasp...""

A big stop coming up for the torch soon at Cornish paradise Eden Project, who tweet: "The TV crews are setting up and the excitement is building as we prepare for the arrival of the Olympic Torch."

Daniel Trebilcock in Perranporth emails: Saw the Olympic torch arrive in Truro at about 1300BST. Got a great view from the bottom of Lemon Street, managed to get a good couple of photos of the torch! Have NEVER seen Lemon Street in Truro as busy as today - a great turnout for this ceremonial relay!

1600: And Adrian finishes his display of sporting skills by pretending its a cricket-bat and making a quick drive action.

The next person to carry the flame through St Austell is Jeremy Nicholds. The 50-year-old aims to complete a "decathlon of events" across Europe as he continues to raise money for charity.

16:12 Jeremy waves to the crowds as he completes his final uphill to handover the flame.

1613: Janet McCulley from Bude takes over the torch. Janet has Parkinson's disease but that hasn't stopped her setting up her own luncheon club called "Carry on Cookery."

1618: We have another Olympian carrying the torch. Michael Lapage, who won a silver rowing medal for Great Britain in the 1948 Games, takes the spotlight.

16:19 Taking his time to the soak up the atmosphere the Olympian gets a warm reception.

1622: Lapage almost took the torch security officer's head off with the torch. Close call.

1624: Fundraiser Kenneth Johnson gets his hands on the torch as someone from the crowd yells "Oh my goodness, how exciting!" Not sure if that shout out was for Ken or the torch.

Gareth McKillop emails: Was great to see so many people in Truro tasting some of the Olympic magic and fantastic personally to get so close, there was a real buzz around town. I am proud of Cornwall's response and I feel confident that the nation will seize hold of these games to make it truly great.

1628: BBC News website reader texts: "This is so hypnotic. Pity they didn't use a glass-sided vehicle for road transfers so that torch could still be seen."

Garry Philpott in Sheerness, Kent, writes: "I will be carring the flame on day 62 in Faversham. I was excited before, but I cried with pride when the flame arrived. We have set up an laptop at home so my wife, three sons and I can watch the torch relay live."

1633: Bodmin MP Dan Rogerson, who is there with his family, said: "It's lovely to be here. We're looking forward to it."

1639: Green fields and the occasional tractor as #bbctorchcam whizzes along the route to its next stop.

1646: Tim Smit, Chief Executive (and co-founder) of the Eden Project, said it was a wonderful day for Cornwall.

1647: "These moments make memories that last a lifetime and hopefully by the end of it we'll all feel a lot better about the world than we do now," Mr Smit added.

1648: Children standing outside the Eden Project with homemade torches waiting to catch a glimpse of the real thing.

1650: Ben Fogle has his hands on the torch.

1651: The flame is transferred into a lantern for its trip above the rainforest biome.

1701: It's all over for Fogle's moment in the spotlight as he is winched back down.

1703: Time for a last word from the adventurous Fogle: "A bit hot up there. A magical moment, unforgettable. That's an experience I will always treasure and it will be a memory I can share with my children."

Eden Project tweets a link to a picture: The torch being taken down our Plane Tree Steps

Eden Project tweets a link to a picture of the torch going up in the rainforest balloon

Louise Angell, Manager of BBC Big Screens tweets‏: You can follow the progress of #bbctorchcam on @BBCBigScreens

1716: And the flame is off, from the Eden Project car parks in convoy to Stenalees and Bugle.

Preparations are under way for the torch's entry into Plymouth. Douglas Petipher from Callington, Cornwall writes: "I am one of a team of six ringers (86-years-old) who will be ringing the bells at St Nicholas & St Faith Church, Saltash, adjacent to the Tamar Bridge, to celebrate the passing of the torch from Cornwall into Devon this evening."

Great picture here - Simon Paddon from Barnstaple travelled two hours to the Eden Project to be a torchbearer today. He tweeted this picture of some excited fellow torchbearers on the bus.

1727: We have lost our picture of the torch relay at the moment, while the torch travels in the convoy vehicles across Cornwall.

Steve Cooper in Foxhole, Cornwall, writes: "Just back from watching the torch make its way through Trewoon. The crowds are definitely bigger than I would have expected, lots of families having picnics and the kids are having a great time, with a children's choir singing. I would say at that stage it was running 30 minutes late, due to the crowds. Great to have seen it."

1730: The flame is back off the bus, the torch is lit and Richard Stoneman from St Austell has the torch on the move again in Stenalees.

Simon Paddon ‏tweets: "If you watching on tv/ web/ red button, I am number 095! Just having our pre briefing on the coach. Great atmosphere! #torchbearer"

1733:And here he is - keen cyclist Simon Paddon takes charge of the torch. The Barnstaple man has raised nearly £100,000 for charities in his yearly coast-to-coast challenge.

1734: And he hands the flame on to the next torchbearer. Since being diagnosed with Parkinson's, David Denmead has dedicated his life to raising awareness to the disease in nursing homes across Cornwall.

1747: Big cheers as Christian Ayerst is up next with the torch. Described by the person who nominated him to run with the torch as "gentle, biddable, charming, polite and kind at all times, an athlete and lovely person to spend time with", Christian is a member of the Social Club for Autistic Young People.

They said: "He is an awesome young man. A great mate, an inspiration."

Swimmers from Saltash in Cornwall are preparing to swim the River Tamar, the boundary between Devon and Cornwall, as the Olympic torch goes over the bridge at about 19:45 BST.

1749: And it's over to Dave Hoskin in the centre of Bugle. Dave has run the local youth football teams for 13 years and has won Grassroots Football Coach of the Year.

He has run several marathons to raise money for charity and has now taken up cycling.

1751: Huge cheers for Dave from the crowds lining the streets in Bugle. The bus is just managing to squeeze through people on either side of the road.

1755: Bound for Bodmin via Lanivet, the flame goes back into the convoy and the vehicles are off.

1804: The torch is back on the road on the tree-lined streets of Lanivet.

1812: Just a brief stop and the flame is back in transit as it edges ever closer to its crossing into Devon later this evening.

Stuart tweets: Sitting along the road in Liskeard waiting for the #Olympictorch Never seen the town so packed! #bbctorch

1817: Will there be any sightings of the mythical Beast of Bodmin Moor said to stalk the famous heathland north-east of the town? Probably not but here comes the torch.

1819: Keith Manning has the torch in his grip. The 43-year-old says: "I intend to live and breathe the Games while they are here." So this is a good start then.

1821: A lively crowd in Bodmin, where the bunting is out. There are plenty of cheers for 15-year-old Evie Fairman as she jogs along with the torch.

1825: A small boy handily clears the way for the flame using his scooter as Jennifer Hyde picks up the torch.

1826: Julian Wills adds a personal touch to his leg of the relay with a twirl of his arm and some nifty high steps.

1831: The flame is handed on to Kathryn Knox, one of the 8,000 torchbearers taking part in the relay round Britain.

1834: It's goodbye Bodwin as the torch is back on the bus for the brief journey to Liskeard.

1840: For geography fans out there, Liskeard is about 20 miles west of Plymouth - the final stop for the torch tonight.

1844: We hear the celebrations have been happening all day in Liskeard with Beijing bronze medallist and open water swimmer Cassie Patten in attendance. Have you been to the torch relay today? Let us know using the buttons in the Get Involved box below.

Email us at yourpics@bbc.co.uk, send us a text to 61124 (UK only), tweet us at @BBC2012 or visit our Facebook page at BBC London 2012.

1850: The torch is saluted from the side of the road by a small group of revellers outside a local pub as it continues in transit and then receives a good beep from a passing motorist for good measure.

1855: The torch reaches Liskeard. The coach pulls up and the flame will be hitting the streets soon any moment.

Peter F in Leicester emails: "It's a disgrace that some of the runners are selling their torch & uniforms on eBay. They should be made to give the money to charity."

1857: Truro teenager Sophia Cowburn takes up the torch and begins to run. She has been organising parties to raise funds for the charity she set up in memory of her late twin brother. Sophia is described by her nominee as "selfless, hardworking and truly inspirational".

1858: A little heads up about some famous bearers coming up in Plymouth. Six members of the Military Wives choir, who held the Christmas number one spot with their charity single, and BBC commentary legend Barry Davies will take charge of the flame.

1900: And a brass band plays out "Congratulations" as Sophia runs up the hill. Crowds have thinned out somewhat on this second-to-last stop before Plymouth.

1905: We have lost our pictures of the torch at present, while it travels into an area without signal, but we hope to be back with it soon - and certainly before Olympic swimmer Duncan Goodhew takes the flame.

Lots of people out for the torch's evening celebration in Plymouth. BBC reporter Hamish Marshall tweets a link to this picture saying "Plymouth Hoe prepares for Olympic Torch Relay party".

1925: And we're back with coverage as the torch makes its way to Saltash, the final stop before celebrations on the Hoe in Plymouth this evening.

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